Estate Planning Attorney Ann Arbor & Tecumseh, MI
Start Your Estate Planning Journey Today with Trusted Estate Planning Advocates Serving Lenawee and Washtenaw Counties
At Stimpson & Associates, our team has guided Michigan families through complex estate plans since 2012. We offer friendly, expert estate planning services for individuals and families in Ann Arbor and Tecumseh. For over 20 years, we’ve helped clients across Lenawee and Washtenaw counties with wills, trusts, probate, and elder law. Our goal is to make sure your legacy and loved ones are protected, both now and in the future.
Professional Experience You Can Trust
Our attorneys bring years of experience and strong credentials to every client relationship. Managing partner, David M. Stimpson, has practiced law for over 20 years, combining strategic insight with a personal approach. We stay active in the local legal community and are proud to be recognized for our work. That includes Stimpson’s certifications through the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) and his leadership in the Lenawee County Bar Association and other local boards.
Our clients benefit from our strong local court experience, clear legal know-how, and practical understanding of complex estate planning. We focus on delivering solutions that are both efficient and effective.
Our Client-Centered Approach
At Stimpson & Associates, we don’t accept walk-ins, but that lets us give our clients our undivided attention. Your needs come first. We take time to understand your situation and long-term goals, then create a custom estate plan to help protect your family’s future. Clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and close attention to detail are the cornerstones of our work. We’re here to help you make important decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
When you leave our office, you’ll know every detail of your plan is taken care of, letting you focus on what really matters.
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Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
Probate Legal Services
We help you manage the probate process from start to finish. That includes validating wills, listing assets, notifying creditors, and distributing property. Our goal is to reduce stress and help avoid conflict.
Guardianship and Conservatorship Services
We guide you through naming guardians for minors or adults who can’t make decisions on their own. You’ll get support that meets Michigan’s legal standards and offers peace of mind.
Power of Attorney Legal Services
Our team makes sure your financial and healthcare choices are protected if you can’t make decisions yourself. We focus on securing your interests and keeping your plans clear and reliable.
Special Needs Planning
We create customized plans that protect the financial well-being of individuals with special needs. These strategies help maintain public benefit eligibility and support long-term care.
Trust Services
We help you choose and set up the right type of trust—whether it’s revocable, irrevocable, charitable, or another option. Trusts can make estate planning more efficient and provide strong asset protection.
Wills
Our attorneys draft wills that clearly reflect your wishes and follow Michigan law. That includes decisions about assets, guardians, and who carries out your plan.
Estate Beneficiary Services
We support beneficiaries during probate and inheritance processes. From resolving disputes to handling tax questions, we help make sure distributions are fair and accurate.
Personal Representative (Executor) Services
Serving as an executor comes with big responsibilities. We help with everything from asset inventory and paying debts to managing disputes and following probate laws.
Understanding Estate Planning
Estate planning means creating a clear plan for how your assets will be managed if you become unable to handle them, or after you pass away. Our experienced attorneys guide you through every step. That includes preparing wills, setting up living or irrevocable trusts, and creating powers of attorney and healthcare directives. These tools help carry out your wishes while reducing taxes, probate costs, and legal complications.
The Importance of Estate Planning
Estate planning helps protect your assets and gives your loved ones clear guidance. It can reduce family disputes, lower tax burdens, and make difficult times a little easier. With the right plan in place, your wishes are honored and your family has the support they need.
Key Components of an Estate Plan
A strong estate plan typically includes the following:
- Wills: Outline who receives your assets, name guardians for minor children, and appoint someone to carry out your wishes.
- Trusts: Help you avoid probate, lower estate taxes, and give you more control and privacy over how your assets are managed.
- Powers of Attorney: Allow someone you trust to handle financial or legal matters if you’re unable to do so.
- Healthcare Directives: Let others know your medical care preferences and who should make decisions if needed.
It’s a good idea to review and update your plan regularly so it stays in sync with your life and goals.
Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Common estate planning mistakes include outdated documents, missing beneficiary updates, and not planning for incapacity. Our attorneys take time to review every detail, helping you avoid these issues and protect both your assets and your wishes.
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Tailored Estate Planning for Every Life Stage
Young Families
For young families in southeast Michigan, estate planning often starts with naming guardians, setting up trusts for minor children, and making smart use of life insurance. Adding powers of attorney can also offer key protection if something unexpected happens.
Retirees
For retirees, estate planning often focuses on protecting assets, setting up healthcare directives, planning for Medicaid, and preserving your legacy. Our attorneys work with you to reduce taxes, safeguard your wealth, and adjust your plan as your health or finances change.
Ensure State Compliance—Talk With a Local Lawyer
Michigan-Specific Legal Considerations
Michigan has its own probate process, inheritance rules, and no estate tax, which means local knowledge really matters. Our attorneys make sure your will, trusts, and powers of attorney follow state laws and adjust your plan as those laws change.
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Testimonials
Our satisfied clients highlight our compassionate guidance, clear communication, and effective solutions, emphasizing their comfort and confidence in our personalized services.
My wife and I worked with Jessica Kelly to rewrite and update our estate documents. Jessica was thoughtful, caring, articulate and professional and showed a thorough understanding of issues we faced. She worked carefully and patiently with us to produce a document that we feel will serve us well. Without reservation, we would recommend her services to others.
Our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy and Stimpson Law helped us every step of the way. They were understanding, caring, and showed compassion while handling our legal matters. We are so appreciative of the entire office and highly recommend them.
Mr. Stimpson and his colleagues were so kind and very polite and helpful, when I was going through my divorce. They took the time and patience to explain everything in detail to my understanding. I would refer Stimpson & Associates to anyone who needs lawyer services.
I wish I could give Stimpson and his team more than five stars! Stimpson was my attorney for a drawn-out and emotional case. He kept me level-headed, focused, and most importantly, prepared. I genuinely appreciate his advice, his honesty, and his straightforward attitude. My fight was his fight and that was evident in the courtroom. Stimpson was worth every single penny! A BIG thank you to him and his team!
Meet Our Legal Team
Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you. We combine personal service with local know-how to guide you through estate planning with clarity and care.
David M. Stimpson
Managing Partner
David Lacasse
Attorney
Amy Parker
Attorney
Secure Your Family’s Legacy Today
Your family’s future deserves trusted, thoughtful guidance. Contact Stimpson & Associates today to schedule your free consultation in Ann Arbor or Tecumseh. We’re here to help you protect your assets, care for your loved ones, and plan with peace of mind.
Take the first step toward safeguarding your legacy—contact us today!